Master of Design
This is an advanced programme with an emphasis on design research. You can choose to conclude the degree by either completing a thesis or developing an integrated body of creative work.
Domestic
About the programme
This qualification of excellence allows you to develop a significant body of scholarly creative work which is presented in a public forum and supported by an exegesis or equivalent.
Alternatively, you can complete this programme through a thesis which could form the basis of academic journal articles.
The work will respond to societal needs, address sustainability from multiple perspectives, and be positioned within a wider framework of academic and applied research.
Graduates of this qualification will be well-prepared for doctoral-level study, an academic career or a lead design or design management role.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over three years.
International
About the programme
This qualification of excellence allows you to develop a significant body of scholarly creative work which is presented in a public forum and supported by an exegesis or equivalent.
Alternatively, you can complete this programme through a thesis which could form the basis of academic journal articles.
The work will respond to societal needs, address sustainability from multiple perspectives, and be positioned within a wider framework of academic and applied research.
Graduates of this qualification will be well-prepared for doctoral-level study, an academic career or a lead design or design management role.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over three years.
What You Study
Employers love our design graduates as they're industry-ready, innovative and hard working.
- We offer a boutique learning environment; small classes mean your lecturers know you by name and can support you to develop your own ‘design identity’.
- You will benefit from the expertise of award-winning staff and leading industry researchers.
- You will have access to exhibitions and international competitions to showcase your creativity.
- Local, national and international collaboration and partnerships are at the heart of our learning philosophy.
- We have extensive industry connections and strong links with international design networks including the Cumulus Association and The Designers Accord.
- Our acclaimed programmes are full of individual, team and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
- You will enjoy studio-based learning with access to specialised equipment and spaces.
- And, you will have access to support and business start-up advice through the Dunedin Fashion Incubator (Dfi).
Courses
This one-year, full-time programme is comprised of one Level 9 course worth 120 credits.
Integrated Body of Creative Work (Option one) OR Thesis (Option two)
You will undertake a significant body of independent research as an integrated body of creative work supported by an exegesis or equivalent (Option one) OR an individual research thesis (Option two). The purpose of this research is to demonstrate systematic engagement with contemporary and critical thinking in your chosen field, to demonstrate mastery of theoretically-sophisticated knowledge and specialised skills and to confidently articulate the impact and contribution of your work in a wider context.
At the end of this programme, you will have:
- acquired a clear, critical sense of the roles and functions of design within a local, national and global context.
- the skill to engage in research for design, research about design and research through design, allowing you to address the complex and contested issue of sustainability from cultural, social, environmental and economic perspectives to meet both current and anticipated future needs, and
- gained transferable skills enabling you to work as a design professional, to think laterally, to take risks, to problem solve and to work effectively as a team member.
Further study options
Successful completion of this qualification will prepare you for further postgraduate study at doctoral level, an academic career or a lead design or design management role.
Workload
Your workload
You will be expected to work independently but will meet regularly with your supervisor.
Entry
Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements are:
- The Bachelor of Design (Honours) at Level 8 OR the Postgraduate Diploma in Design at Level 8 with an overall grade of B+ (75%) in Design Research Methods and Applied Design Project 2 OR an equivalent postgraduate qualification of 120 credits in a related area. Please send us certified copies of your undergraduate degree transcript and other relevant qualifications.
- A physical or digital portfolio which demonstrates a depth of engagement with creative work relevant to your field. Please see below for more information.
- Exceptional applicants not meeting the entry requirements but with appropriate documented professional experience may also be considered.
- International applicants must demonstrate that they have equivalent experience/qualifications as domestic applicants.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Other requirements
- We may decide that you need to undertake an interview and/or entry task. We'll contact you if this is necessary.
Selection process
An interview panel consisting of the Postgraduate Coordinator and relevant postgraduate supervisors will interview and select applicants. Where there are more applicants than places, candidates will be prioritised on the basis of:
- strength of academic record
- breadth and depth of their portfolio
- an entry task that validates existing skills and knowledge.
Applicants who do not meet the entry or selection criteria will be directed to a path of study to help prepare them for application in the future.
Your portfolio
You need to provide a portfolio that consists of current and recent examples of your work that demonstrate your creative process and ability and depth of engagement in your proposed field of research.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning including Cross Credit or Credit Transfer are not available for this programme. Advanced standing is also not available for this programme.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Fees Free
If you’re a domestic student and this is your first time doing tertiary study in New Zealand (over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher), you may be able to get free tuition fees for this programme.
All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access funding by entering your National Student Number.
If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.
Additional costs
You will be expected to meet the cost of project materials but will receive financial support for publication of your exegesis or thesis.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Application
How to apply
To apply for this programme just click the blue 'Apply now' button above.
Applications are open all year round for a flexible start date.
You'll need to submit a portfolio when you apply for this programme.
Find out what you need to include in your portfolio, what we're looking for, and how to submit it.
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
